The Storm and Surface Water Utility works on many levels to protect water quality and prevent flooding. This involves working closely with residents, businesses, and other government agencies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for people and wildlife.

Staff maintains miles of underground pipe, storm drains, and stormwater ponds that carry stormwater runoff from roads and rooftops to our streams, Oakland Bay, and Henderson Inlet. We monitor our waters, and initiate new ways to protect them through our education and outreach programs, technical assistance, and new regulations.

Stormwater starts as rain picks up pollutants from streets, sidewalks, and lawns as it runs off to pipes that quickly discharge into our streams and wetlands. Pollutants can harm animals and people, while too much water at once can cause streams to overflow and erode their banks sending muddy polluted water downstream.

Need to talk to someone as soon as possible? In the event of an emergency, please call Public Works directly at (360) 426-9731 to report the incident. After-hours, you can report emergency or urgent situations to (360) 426-4441. Examples of emergency or urgent situations include: serious water leaks, fallen trees in the roadway, sewage backing up into a household or business, water across the roadway or flooding buildings, hazardous material spills on the roadways, dangerous city street roadway conditions, such as sinkholes and potholes.